Ep 8. Sweet Low Road

Jack Griffin, disgraced Harvard philosophy professor, continues his unconventional tenure at Whitlock High School in Toledo, Ohio in the second season of A.P. Bio. The show follows Jack's attempts to avoid actual teaching by using his class for his own personal gain, including brainstorming sessions for petty revenge schemes and using his students to help him win over his ex-girlfriend. Season 2 episode 8, titled "Sweet Low Road," follows Jack's attempts to prove to his students and coworkers that he isn't a monster, despite his tendency to manipulate and take advantage of those around him.

The episode opens with Jack attempting to convince Principal Durbin, played by Happy Endings' Ron Funches, that he has completely reformed his ways and no longer spreads gossip or lies about his colleagues. Durbin, who has taken a laissez-faire approach to Jack's tenure in the past, is skeptical but decides to give him a chance to prove himself. Jack takes this as a sign that he needs to go above and beyond to prove his goodwill.

Meanwhile, Jack's students are dealing with their own drama. Sarika has been accepted to an exclusive summer program and is torn between going and staying in Toledo to be with her boyfriend, Victor. Heather is still struggling with her parents' divorce and is constantly seeking reassurance from Jack that she won't end up like them. And Mary is dealing with the aftermath of an ill-fated first kiss with her crush, Stefano.

In an attempt to prove himself to Durbin and his students, Jack comes up with a plan to make amends with his coworkers by baking them sugary treats. The catch? He's convinced that sugar is the root of all evil and has swapped out regular sugar for sweet low, a sugar substitute made from stevia that he believes is healthier. Jack ropes his students into helping him bake dozens of sweet low treats, using his newfound domestic skills to whip up cupcakes, cookies, and even a sugar-free cake.

As the day wears on, Jack becomes increasingly obsessed with proving that his sweet low treats are just as good as regular sugar. He foists his baked goods on every teacher in the school, including his arch-nemesis, biology teacher Helen, and his former fling, history teacher Michelle. Jack's sweet low treats are initially met with skepticism, but soon the teachers are raving about their deliciousness and clamoring for the recipe.

In the midst of all this baking, Jack is forced to confront his own sugar addiction and the lengths that he'll go to in order to satisfy it. He ingests so much sweet low that he begins to experience hallucinations and paranoia, convinced that his coworkers are plotting against him.

The episode comes to a close with Jack facing the consequences of his sugar binge and realizing that his obsession with being liked may have gotten the best of him. Ultimately, he's left to ponder whether it's more important to be respected or adored by his students and colleagues.

"Sweet Low Road" is another entertaining entry in the A.P. Bio canon, showcasing the sharp writing and strong performances that have made the show a cult favorite. Fans of the series will appreciate Jack's continued hijinks and the students' endearing struggles to navigate high school. And for newcomers to the show, this episode serves as a great introduction to the wacky world of A.P. Bio.